Glacial Outburst Flooding: Alaskan Capital City Evacuates Due to Overflow of River from Melting Glacier

A glacial outburst of flooding inundated some parts of the Alaskan capital city of Juneau during the weekend. The flooding was caused by the overflow of the Mendenhall River due to a melting glacier near the city, wherein evacuations have been made. The situation remains volatile after two buildings were destroyed by the raging floodwaters.

Although glacial flooding has occurred in the area in the past, this is the first time that such magnitude has been reported. The event takes place amid reports of persistent heatwaves across the United States and other parts of the Northern Hemisphere since June. Climate scientists have also attributed climate change and global warming to melting glaciers.

Glacial Outburst Flooding

Local officials on Sunday, August 6, confirmed the flooding from the glacier-dammed lake destroyed at least two buildings and forced residents in other establishments to be evacuated, as cited CBS News. The icy structure behind the Juneau floods is the Mendenhall Glacier, located above the said Alaskan city.

A news release from the City and Borough of Juneau mentioned the Mendenhall River overflowed on Saturday, August 5, following a major release from Mendenhall Glacier's side basin called the "Suicide Basin." Photos and videos that surfaced on social media show that the glacier floodwaters led to the collapse of a building, almost hanging over on the edge of the Alaskan river.

State of Emergency

Amid the ongoing threat, local authorities issued a state of emergency due to the destructive glacial flooding in Juneau, according to ABC News, which reported the rushing water eroded the river banks, toppling not only the two homes but also a tree. Furthermore, authorities say the river remains unstable and asks the public to avoid the area.

Experts have warned that Alaska is warming twice at the rate of the rest of the U.S., according to the media outlet. Despite being a tourist attraction, the Mendenhall Glacier is at risk of further melt or potential collapse in the coming years or decades.

There have been no reports of human casualties from the Alaska floods so far.

Suicide Basin

Since 2011, the Suicide Basin of Mendenhall Glacier has produced glacier lake outburst floods that resulted in flooding of areas along the Mendenhall Lake and Mendenhall River, according to the National Weather Service, which reported that the current lake level was at 7.22 feet and is receding as of 5:15 p.m. local time on Sunday.

Although water levels are dropping already, the NWS warned that hazards remain within and near the Mendenhall River, urging the public to abide with road closures and stay away from unstable river banks in the area.

Climate Change and Melting Glaciers

Based on scientific findings in recent years, glaciers are melting in different parts of the world, including in Greenland, Antarctica, and the Arctic.

Scientists pointed out that both atmospheric and ocean warming are causing these ice giants to gradually retreat or thaw at unprecedented rates. The main threat brought by melting glaciers is the rise of global sea levels.